Tabletop Cat–Cow with Leg Out
Primary Targets:
• Adductors (leg out)
• Spine (cervical → thoracic → lumbar)
• Hips & core stabilizers
Classification:
👉 Adductor mobility + spinal articulation
Starting Position
• Start on all fours (tabletop).
• Hands under shoulders, knees under hips.
• Extend one leg straight out to the side with toes up or foot flat.
• Spine neutral.
Execution
Cow (Extension):
• Inhale
• Drop your belly
• Lift your chest and tailbone
• Keep hips heavy and leg long to the sideCat (Flexion):
• Exhale
• Round your spine
• Tuck your tailbone
• Draw ribs in
Move slowly between Cow ↔ Cat while keeping the side leg active.
Volume
• 6–10 slow Cat–Cow reps per side
• 1–2 sets
Progressions
• Add a pause at end ranges
• Rock hips back slightly in Cow for more adductor stretch
Regressions:
• Smaller spinal range
Why It Helps Your Pancake
✔ Opens inner thighs gently
✔ Keeps spine mobile between deep pancake work
✔ Great warm-up or reset drill